AS/COA News Analysis

The Bush administration continues to urge congressional approval of free-trade agreements with Peru, Colombia, and Panama. But while action on the Peru deal appears imminent, the Colombia and Panama deals face obstacles. A new AS/COA update outlines congressional action on the agreements.

In a recent referendum, Costa Ricans narrowly voted in favor of joining the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement. Costa Rica,the first country to hold a public vote on whether to join, was deeply divided. During AS/COA's Latin American Cities Conference in San Salvador, participants discussed DR-CAFTA as an engine for Central American economic growth. 

Robert Gates made his first trip to Latin America as U.S. defense secretary, beginning his five-country tour in El Salvador. The secretary's itinerary included stops in Colombia, Peru, Chile, and Suriname to focus on Washington's security ties in the region. A recent editorial co-authored by COA's Eric Farnsworth examines trade policy as a way to boost U.S.-Latin American relations.

President Rafael Correa claimed victory after voters went to the polls to select members of a constitutional assembly. Although official results were not yet available, Correa's Alianza Pais party appeared poised to gain the necessary majority to rewrite the country's constitution. Correa discussed refinancing Ecuador's debt during a speech at AS/COA last week.

Presidents of the Americas joined world leaders for the annual UN General Assembly (UNGA). Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva opened debate, calling for a 2012 environmental conference in Rio. Chilean President Michelle Bachelet made the case for her nation to hold a UN Human Rights Council seat and President Evo Morales of Bolivia proposed the UN convene a forum for indigenous peoples. AS/COA hosted several Latin American leaders, including Bachelet and Morales, during the week of UNGA.

The House Ways and Means Committee voted in support of the U.S.-Peru Trade Agreement this week. Congressional approval is expected in October with the deal viewed as a potential model for other bilateral pacts. COA testimony notes the agreement's passage provides an opportunity to advance strategic policy goals and promote U.S. economic, labor, and environmental interests.